Are MorningStar breakfast patties healthy?

December 18, 2025 •

3 min read

According to MorningStar Farms, their original breakfast patties contain 76% less fat than a comparable pork sausage patty. But does this reduction in fat mean that MorningStar breakfast patties are healthy overall, or is there more to the story for a plant-based option?

Quick Summary

MorningStar breakfast patties offer a lower-fat, plant-based alternative to traditional pork sausage but are still a processed food. Their healthiness is a balance of lower saturated fat and cholesterol against moderate sodium levels and the inclusion of many additives.

Key Points

Lower Fat: MorningStar patties have significantly less total and saturated fat compared to traditional pork sausage.
Processed Food: Despite being plant-based, they are an ultra-processed food with a long list of ingredients and additives.
Moderate Sodium: A single patty contains a moderate amount of sodium, which can add up depending on other breakfast items.
Good Protein Source: The patties offer a decent protein boost from soy and egg whites (for non-vegan versions).
Healthier Alternative, Not a Health Food: While a better choice than fatty meat, they are not a whole food and should be consumed in moderation.
Consider the 'Why': They are designed for convenience and mimicry of meat, not necessarily for superior nutrition.

A Closer Look at the Nutritional Profile

To determine the healthiness of MorningStar breakfast patties, it's essential to analyze their nutritional content beyond the marketing claims. Let's examine the facts for a single, original-flavored patty.

Calories, Fat, and Protein

Calories: A single original patty contains approximately 80 calories. This is significantly lower than many meat-based breakfast sausages, making it a lower-calorie option for a breakfast side.
Total and Saturated Fat: At around 3 grams of total fat and 0 grams of saturated fat per patty, it's a clear winner over traditional sausage. The fat present is primarily from corn, canola, and/or sunflower oil. This makes it a heart-healthier alternative to fatty animal products.
Protein: Each patty provides 9 grams of protein. Sourced from soy protein concentrate, soy protein isolate, and egg whites (in the vegetarian versions), it offers a solid protein boost to start the day. However, it is not a complete protein source on its own, unlike animal products.

The Sodium and Ingredients Conundrum

While the fat and calorie counts are appealing, the ingredient list and sodium content tell a more complex story. The original patty contains 230mg of sodium, or about 10% of the recommended daily value per serving. This is a moderate amount that can add up quickly if consumed as part of a larger, sodium-rich breakfast.

Furthermore, the extensive list of ingredients highlights the product's highly processed nature. Many plant-based alternatives are classified as 'ultra-processed foods' (UPF) due to industrial manufacturing processes and the inclusion of various additives. MorningStar patties contain components like:

Textured Vegetable Protein: A processed soy and wheat product.
Sodium Phosphates: Used as emulsifiers and stabilizers.
Maltodextrin, Yeast Extracts, and Flavors: Added for taste and texture.
Caramel Color: For visual appeal.

MorningStar vs. the Alternatives: A Nutritional Comparison

When evaluating MorningStar patties, it's helpful to see how they stack up against different breakfast options. Here is a comparison of key nutritional metrics.


	MorningStar Original Patty	Pork Sausage Patty (Comparable)	Beyond Sausage Patty
Calories	80	~315 (for 38g, cooked)	180
Total Fat	3g	~13g	12g
Saturated Fat	0g	High (Specific value varies)	4.5g
Sodium	230mg	~380mg	270mg
Protein	9g	Varies	11g

This comparison table shows that while MorningStar patties have a clear advantage over pork sausage in fat and cholesterol, other plant-based options like Beyond Meat offer higher protein and different fat profiles, sometimes with higher saturated fat content derived from coconut oil, for example.

So, Are MorningStar Patties Healthy? The Verdict

The answer to whether MorningStar breakfast patties are healthy depends on context and perspective. They are undoubtedly a healthier alternative to a greasy, high-fat pork sausage patty, offering a cholesterol-free, low-saturated fat option. For someone transitioning from a meat-heavy diet, this represents a significant nutritional improvement.

However, they are not a whole food. Their classification as an ultra-processed food and their moderate sodium content means they should be consumed in moderation, not as a daily health food staple. A truly healthy diet prioritizes whole, unprocessed foods like vegetables, fruits, and lean protein sources.

Healthier Alternatives to Processed Patties

If you are looking to move beyond all processed meat alternatives, several whole-food options offer excellent nutrition for breakfast:

Tofu Scramble: Made with crumbled tofu and spices, it can mimic the texture of scrambled eggs while providing excellent protein.
Homemade Lentil or Veggie Patties: These can be made from scratch with lentils, mushrooms, or beans, giving you full control over the ingredients and sodium.
Oatmeal with Nuts and Seeds: A classic, fiber-rich breakfast packed with nutrients.
Avocado Toast with Beans or Eggs: A balanced breakfast with healthy fats, protein, and fiber.

Conclusion: Balancing Convenience and Nutrition

Ultimately, MorningStar breakfast patties are a convenient and better-for-you alternative to traditional pork sausage. They offer a good source of protein and are low in calories and saturated fat, which are clear advantages for heart health. However, their highly processed nature and moderate sodium content mean they should not be viewed as a 'health food' to be consumed without thought.

For optimal health, it's best to enjoy them as an occasional convenience food rather than a daily habit. Prioritizing whole-food alternatives for your everyday breakfast is the most effective strategy for long-term well-being.

For more on the health impacts of processed foods, refer to research by reputable organizations like the World Cancer Research Fund, which recommends limiting their intake. World Cancer Research Fund

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary protein sources are textured vegetable protein (from soy and wheat gluten), soy protein concentrate, soy protein isolate, and egg whites (in the original, non-vegan versions).

Yes, due to their extensive industrial processing and long list of additives, ingredients, and flavorings, they are classified as an ultra-processed food.

The ingredient list for the original patties includes natural and artificial flavors, as well as several chemical-sounding additives and coloring agents.

Compared to brands like Beyond Sausage, MorningStar patties are often lower in fat, calories, and protein. Brands like Beyond sometimes use coconut oil for fat, which can increase saturated fat content. The specific nutritional profile varies significantly between brands.

A single original patty has 230mg of sodium, which is about 10% of the daily value. While not extremely high, it is a significant amount for a single component of a meal and can contribute to high sodium intake, especially if you eat more than one.

Some MorningStar products, including some varieties of their patties, are vegan. However, many of the original versions contain egg whites, so it is crucial to check the specific product's packaging and ingredients list.

For those seeking to reduce saturated fat and cholesterol, MorningStar patties are a better choice. However, neither is a whole food. The 'best' option depends on your dietary goals, but from a heart-health perspective, the plant-based option has distinct advantages.